If you feel like stepping back in time, you can head over to Loong Fong Cafe 龍鳳茶室 which is designed specifically for people who enjoy a side of nostalgia with their breakfast.
It sits centrally on Lebuh Pantai in George Town, Penang, and draws a crowd that is as much interested in the decor as they are in the food.
I usually find myself a bit sceptical of restaurants that are labelled as “Instagrammable” because the effort often goes into the decoration rather than the kitchen.
However, the food was actually not bad.
The decor feels like a movie set for a 1960s drama, with a vibrant mix of old school coffee shop vibes and quirky retro ornaments.
The atmosphere is genuinely fun.
It is a very popular spot for a 打卡 “da ka” photo session, so expect to see plenty of people posing with their toast while their coffee gets cold.
The menu covers all the classic Nanyang-style local breakfast with a few signature twists.
The signature Nasi Lemak selection is quite extensive and includes Nasi Lemak Chicken Rempah (RM 16.90), Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken (RM 15.90), and Nasi Lemak Curry Fish Ball (RM 13.90).
I tried the Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken (RM 15.90) and it arrived with a striking mound of blue pea rice that was fragrant with ginger and lemongrass.
Though I think I should stick with the signature Chicken Rempah the next time.
The fried chicken was the highlight, featuring a craggy, spice-laden skin that managed to stay crisp.
The sambal had enough heat and dried chilli depth, along with a noticeable onion sweetness. Good stuff.
I also ordered the Kaya Toast (RM 4.90), which used traditional charcoal-toasted bread that offered a satisfying crunch and a faint smoky aroma.
The kaya was thick and custard-like. If you prefer steamed bread, they offer Kaya Butter Steam Bread (RM 4.90) and even Steam Bread with Curry Chicken (RM 12.90).
For a heavier start to the day, there are various fried rice and noodle dishes such as Loong Fong Fried Rice (RM 13.90), Penang Char Koay Teow (RM 13.90), and Traditional Fried Bee Hoon (RM 13.90).
Unlike the usual economic bee hoon, the Traditional Fried Bee Hoon was fried till with wok-hei, soft but not mushy, with enough seasoning.
Their Special Loong Fong drink is a cereal coffee mix, with local coffee and cereal giving it a thicker, slightly malty and grainy finish.
Note that the crowds can be a bit overwhelming if you arrive during the peak weekend hours.
The space at Loong Fong Cafe is fun, the food is better than expected, and the menu has enough variety for both light bites and a fuller meal.
Loong Fong Cafe 龍鳳茶室
249, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Fri – Wed), Closed Thurs
Google Maps: Loong Fong Cafe 龍鳳茶室
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